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Underground power appeal

Councillor Michelle Sutherland says it’s crazy in this day and age not to have underground power. Picture: Matt Jelonek d442111

Cr Sutherland put forward a notice of motion at council�s last meeting that the City consider submitting a Localised Enhancement Project (LEP) for the Maylands and Morley town sites each to the next round of State Underground Power Program (SUPP).

SUPP allows local governments to nominate areas to be converted to underground power.

Cr Sutherland said under the SUPP, the State contributed 50 per cent of the cost and 50 per cent came from residents and local government.

�It is crazy in this day and age to have wooden poles and overhead wires in what the council wants to develop as a business, residential and leisure hub (Morley),� she said.

�When East Perth was being developed the City of Perth decided to put underground power in all over the city, not just one part. Now the city looks better for it.�

The suburbs of Noranda, the northern part of Morley and areas in Maylands already have underground power.

Cr Sutherland said in 2010 the City was on the LEP for underground power, specifically in Maylands along Guildford Road between Seventh and Ninth Avenue.

�However, the council decided to withdraw from the round of the program due to the costs,� she said. �That was five years ago so I am hoping we can revisit this issue.

�The benefits are improved amenity, improved power reliability, reduced costs for tree maintenance and the ability for greater streetscape enhancement.�